Determinants of depressive symptomatology in caregivers of frail older-adults: The case of ultra-orthodox Jewish community

Depression is the most frequent negative health outcome among informal caregivers. The aims of
the current study were (i) to assess the level of depression, (ii) to explore associations between care
recipients' characteristics, caregivers' characteristics, situational factors and depression among
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) caregivers. A total of 112 (44 men and 68 women) UOJ primary
caregivers of frail older-adults were interviewed face-to-face in their homes, using valid and reliable
measures. Participants reported a notable depressive symptomatology. Three variables emerged as
significant predictors of caregiver depression: higher external control (chance), being a spouse, and
lower levels of social support. External locus of control, being a spouse, and social support are highly
important factors for explaining depression among UOJ caregivers. Resources should be allocated to
target spousal caregivers with lower levels of social support and a greater sense of external locus of
control in order to alleviate their depressive symptomatology.